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How to recycle your phone for cash

James Martin/CNET

So you're getting a new cell phone, huh, maybe even the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus. or perhaps the Samsung Galaxy S6 or LG G4. Terrific. In that case, you may want to offload your old phone to make way for the new, and chances are good you'll be able to recoup at least some of the cost by selling or trading in what came before.

Even if you're not in the market for a new device, owners of ancient, cracked, and broken electronics that won't even turn on can still cash in on this promise of recompense. Here are some practical tips about the different ways you can convert your phone into at least a little bit of cash -- pointers that typically

apply to big-ticket electronics, too, like digital cameras and laptops.

I wouldn't count on financing a Hawaiian vacation for your efforts, but depending on how much you hoard or how savvy you sell, the dollars could really add up.

Editors' note. This story was originally published onDecember 19, 2013, and is updated periodically.

How much can you get?

Whether you're talking trade-ins through a retail store (Apple, Best Buy, GameStop), your carrier, or some other online site, the questions will remain the same: Is the device in good or poor condition, is there water damage or screen cracking, what is the storage capacity, and which carrier is it with? All these factor into your final offer, so long as the details check out.